Reevaluating Pediatric Osteomyelitis with Osteoarticular Tuberculosis: Addressing Diagnostic Delays and Improving Treatment Outcomes.

Background: Pediatric osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings, where delayed diagnosis and treatment frequently lead to severe long-term complications. Despite advancements in TB control, skeletal TB in children is often misdiagnosed due to its non-specific clinical presentation, contributing to poor outcomes such as joint deformities, growth disturbances, and chronic pain. The complexity of diagnosing osteoarticular TB is further exacerbated by the limited sensitivity of conventional diagnostic tools and the overlap with other musculoskeletal conditions.

Vitamin D Deficiency-A Public Health Issue in Children.

Background: 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency is a global health concern, particularly in pediatric populations, with implications for musculoskeletal health and overall well-being. This study aimed to evaluate serum 25(OH)D levels in a pediatric population and assess the prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 741 pediatric patients (2-17 years old) who visited an urban hospital for children for acute respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions in the span of 2 years.